ROSEBURG, Ore. –The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider adopting the Rogue River Spring Chinook Conservation plan at its Sept. 7 meeting in Klamath Falls.

Public comments on the final draft plan must be received by Sept. 6. Comments should be directed to Sandra Fixsen at sandra.l.fixsen@state.or.us or 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem OR 97313. The final draft of the plan is posted on the ODFW website at www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/nfcp/rogue_river.

The Rogue River’s population of wild spring chinook has seen a decline from impacts of Lost Creek Dam construction and operation and other factors. The life history of these fish has changed as well. The plan was crafted to address these and other issues affecting the population.

The draft conservation plan outlines nine management alternatives that describe management strategies to modify reservoir and fishery management. Only alternatives 8 and 9 received support from members of an advisory committee that has been working on the plan with ODFW since May 2004.

Alternative 8 relies on expansion of spawning habitat and continued opportunity for anglers to harvest three naturally produced fish. However, the harvest of wild fish would not be allowed upstream of the Highway 62 bridge at Shady Cove.

Alternative 9 relies primarily on significant improvements to fish management strategies over the current habitat range of the population. Angling regulations included in this alternative would prohibit the harvest of wild fish upstream of Dodge Bridge, but would instead increase angler opportunities to harvest more late-run fish.

In addition to submitting written comments, the public may comment at the Commission’s Sept. 7 meeting in Klamath Falls. Public testimony is held in the morning immediately following the expenditure report.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.